Chapter 42: Butler Klee

Chapter Forty-TwoButler Klee

A task to commission…

I am afraid you have come to the wrong place…

The sign of this security company is really only a sign…

Hearing the visitor’s words, Klein immediately filled with so many comments that he had nowhere to vent them. He hated only that this world had no forums or bullet screens for him to share them with.

However, he quickly remembered that he had once asked something similar, and the Captain’s answer had been: if they had spare time, why not accept? The money earned could become the team’s small treasury and extra benefits for the participants.

Rozanne’s eyes shifted as she thought for a moment.

“Our security personnel are all out on tasks. The earliest any of them can return will still be at least an hour from now. If your matter is not urgent, you may consider waiting.”

Among the six official Nighthawk members, Captain Dunn Smith had been invited to the cathedral by the bishop to discuss something unknown, while Leonard Mitchell was currently watching over Chanis Gate in his place.

“Corpse Collector” Frye and “Sleepless” Royale Reideen had gone to the Golden Indus District, assisting the police department with the investigation of a theft case involving cult elements. Another Sleepless, Kenley White, was off duty on rotation. And the remaining Midnight Poet, Seeka Teon, had gone to the Raphael Cemetery outside the North Borough for a routine patrol.

As for the two Beyonders left, Old Neil’s body had weakened with age, and it had been a very long time since he had gone on a mission. Klein, meanwhile, was still a beginner. In every aspect, he was half-baked in the truest sense.

“They are all absent…”

The tall, thin man with graying temples and an umbrella in hand darkened in expression. He removed his hat, bowed, and said, “Pardon the disturbance. Farewell.”

He turned, walked toward the door, and left Number 36 Zouteland Street amid the pattering rain and howling wind.

“What terrible timing,” Rozanne said with regret, watching the gentleman leave.

Though the commission fee would not have included her share, there would surely have been at least a grand meal to enjoy.

“No helping it. Chanis Gate must be guarded at all times.”

Klein put down his knife, fork, and spoon in satisfaction. Even the thick soup of turnips and vegetables, which he did not particularly like, had been drained clean.

“Or did you want Bright to go out on a task? Or yourself?”

Rozanne’s eyes turned. She smiled mischievously.

“Bright cannot, but you can, our Mr. Seer—”

Before she finished, she suddenly realized what she had said and hurriedly stopped. The front door had not yet closed. If a passerby or visitor outside happened to overhear matters concerning Beyonders, that would count as leaking secrets.

“Good thing the Captain is not here…”

Rozanne glanced toward the door and secretly stuck out her tongue.

“Otherwise I would have to go repent again!”

Bright and Klein both burst into laughter. They exchanged a glance and began clearing away the tableware.

Once everything was tidied up and the storm outside still had not stopped, Klein, who had brought no umbrella, chose to remain at Blackthorn Security Company.

He took a newspaper, sat down on the soft, springy sofa, and leisurely began his “lunch break.”

“The airship route from Backlund to Desi Bay has opened…”

“The Great Detective Manson has been compiled into book form and will soon be published…”

“An advertisement for Lauglas Weapon Shop? One standard revolver with six bullets: three pounds ten soli. A double-barreled shotgun: two pounds…”

…

As Klein browsed through the Tingen Honest Man, he suddenly discovered a news item:

“…The criminals who murdered Mr. Welch and Miss Naya have all been apprehended. It is believed that the panic spreading through the North Borough, the Golden Indus District, and the East Borough will be greatly eased… Mr. McGovern, Mr. Welch’s father and a banker, has escorted the body of his younger son…